When you receive new braces or recently have them tightened, the first few days can be a painful procedure. Because your teeth are shifting and trying to get used to the new pressure, it's bound to hurt to eat and talk! Fortunately for you, the following methods will help reduce that pain and make those first few days easier for you.

Ad

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Using cold to soothe

1

Choose cold drinks. Not only do they numb your teeth, but they can also be refreshing! Cold water, juice, smoothies and slushies are good. Refrain from taking sugary, cold drinks such as soda, as the sugar can build up on your teeth and leave permanent stains.

Depending on the person and their teeth, cold drinks may sometimes increase the sensitivity of your teeth.

Ad

2

Suck on ice but don't chew it.

3

Have frozen foods. Popsicles and ice cream are tasty and soothing treats. They're so cold, they sooth the pain in your mouth. If you have a certain spot in your mouth, place a piece of Popsicle or ice cream on it.

Part 2 of 4: Following a careful diet

1

Stick to soft foods, for your teeth will be extremely sensitive. Avoid hard foods or anything that requires a lot of chewing, as it will be a very painful meal! Mash up all your food, using a food masher or just a fork.

If you don't want to go through the trouble of mashing all your food, stick with baby food for the first few days. Depending on what brand and flavor you get, baby food doesn't taste that bad.

2

Take care to get the nutrients needed. Although you will not stick with your regular diet, be sure you still get all the fruits, vegetables and meat your body needs. If you neglect this step, it may result in constipation and/or your health lowering!

Part 3 of 4: Reducing the pain

1

Take painkillers. Depending with the instructions on the bottle, one or two pills should ensure a few hours or more of comfort. However, refrain from overusing this method, as too many pills can cause fatal results. Stick to other methods before turning to this one.

2

Try a mouth sore gel. This will help your teeth. Place a little bit on your fingers and apply it on the sore spots in your mouth. The gel may not taste very good, but it is safe to swallow, although you may want to refrain from swallowing it. Orajel will numb the pain for an hour or two, but be sure to follow the instructions on the box!

Part 4 of 4: Ongoing care

1

Wax with care. Dental wax doesn't taste very good if you get it on your tongue or swallow it, but flavored wax is fine. For the first few days, cover your braces with the wax. This will cushion your mouth and protect it from the metal poking it. Eventually, you will get used to the feeling and not have to use the wax, but keep the wax on for a while, especially at night.

Remove the wax every morning and replace it with a new strip.

2

Be patient. Eventually, the pain will fade away. If it lasts for more than a week or one of your brackets break, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible! However, if you eat the right foods and do exactly as your orthodontist instructs you, you should have no problems!

Ad

Step 7 Try to keep your mind off them by playing a game, going outside, doing work etc

We could really use your help!

Can you tell us aboutRome Total War?

Yes

No

Rome Total War

how to unlock factions in Rome Total War

Can you tell us aboutdogs?

Yes

No

dogs

how to build an indoor dog kennel

Can you tell us aboutmousetrap cars?

Yes

No

mousetrap cars

how to build a mousetrap car

Can you tell us aboutFacebook applications?

Yes

No

Facebook applications

how to create a Facebook application

Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about

...

Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.

Tips

Provide Details.

Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it.
For example:Don't say: Eat more fats.Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.